ZIKA CONCERN IN RIO: Should athletes withdraw from the Olympic Games?

As we get closer to the Olympic Games, more and more athletes are withdrawing or considering withdrawing from the Games. Given that most athletes' career is relatively short and the opportunity to compete in the Olympics is very limited, I wonder how I would react if I were a top-ranked athlete with a very good chance of winning a gold medal in my discipline. Should you stay or go?

Is not just the Zika virus, but the raw sewage that runs from its slums to Guanabara Bay, it is estimated that the nearly 1,400 athlethes who will be competing will be sailing in the waters near Marina da Gloria in Guanabara Bay, swimming off Copacabana beach, and canoeing and rowing on the brackish waters of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake. Thirty-seven samples were checked for three types of human adenovirus, as well as rotavirus, enterovirus and fecal coliforms in these waters were identified.

A disgrace to the corruption of the Brazilian government who only built one raw sewage treatment plan built since they awarded the games…but yet Brazil has one of the biggest oil reserves and money, but again corrupt politicians. What a shame, beautiful country and great people as well, but their government is another matter.

I actually just caught the Zika virus about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Aside from the fever-like symptoms that have mainly disappeared, I'm still dealing with lethargy. It's certainly nothing to mess around with. If I were an Olympic-level athlete, I'd think long and hard about it. I realize that they work and sacrifice for years in order to accomplish that dream but I'm just not sure that the potential risks to your health are worth it.

Anyone who gets a shot at competing in the Olympics is extremely lucky, no matter how talented you are. You can never count on getting a second chance, and there's always another guy right behind you who's willing to take your place. This should be considered a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I'd go in a heartbeat, Zika be damned. It's the Olympics, for Christ's sake.

Keep in mind also that most Olympic events are indoors. Danger of Zika or skanky water will be minimal for most athletes.

It also doesn't escape me that many of the recent withdrawals have been golfers, which just proves to me once again they shouldn't be there in the first place.

DOMINUS saidAs we get closer to the Olympic Games, more and more athletes are withdrawing or considering withdrawing from the Games. Given that most athletes' career is relatively short and the opportunity to compete in the Olympics is very limited, I wonder how I would react if I were a top-ranked athlete with a very good chance of winning a gold medal in my discipline. Should you stay or go?